Ukrainian Drone Attacks Ignite Large-Scale Fires at Russian Rostov, Volgograd Refineries

Ukrainian drones have conducted multiple strikes on key oil refineries in Russia's Rostov and Volgograd oblasts, causing significant fires and operational disruptions. On August 21, a drone attack ignited a large fire at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov Oblast, the region's only operating oil refinery, which produces millions of tons of fuel annually and has been targeted repeatedly by Ukraine to cripple Moscow's war resources. Earlier, on August 19, a drone strike hit the Lukoil refinery in Volgograd Oblast, Russia's second-largest refinery in the Southern Federal District, causing fires and forcing halts in production following previous attacks that had already crippled the plant's refining capacity. Russian officials reported shooting down multiple drones during these attacks, while residents reported hearing explosions and seeing bright flashes in the sky. These strikes are part of Ukraine's ongoing strategy to target industrial and military facilities deep inside Russia, significantly impacting Russian oil production and contributing to soaring fuel prices. The Ukrainian military has not officially confirmed these specific attacks, but their repeated focus on fuel infrastructure aims to weaken Russia's war effort.